Leadership Summit 2018 Presenting Team

Angela is the Vice President of Communications and Marketing for the Texas Association of REALTORS, where she works on behalf of 100,000 Texas REALTORS’ to promote homeownership rights and to keep homeownership affordable. Previously, Angela was Deputy Director for the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB), a division of the Texas General Land Office dedicated to serving 1.7M military veterans in Texas. Throughout her career, Angela has led strategic initiatives that encompass a broad range of marketing communications efforts in the real estate and technology arenas.

Angela has been involved in AMA for over a decade and served as president of the Austin, Texas Chapter of the AMA in 2011. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Texas State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and English from St. Edward’s University. With experience in association management and a strong belief in the benefits that great associations like AMA bring to the community, Angela earned her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 2009.​

Robin Tooms is a partner and VP Strategy at Savage Brands, an agency that builds purposeful brands by helping companies discover and deliver their corporate purpose. Robin oversees brand, marketing and digital strategy efforts for the firm.

She works closely with clients to develop brand positioning, online ​marketing strategies, content strategies and optimal user experiences. With an emphasis on digital communications, Robin is dedicated to staying on the forefront of innovative technologies that build loyalty and drive business.

A member of the Savage team for over 20 years, Robin applies her background of design, development and strategy to help clients look for value where business, customers and technology intersect. Robin received her MBA from the Rice University Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business and an honors degree in Graphic Communications from the University of Houston. She has also taught at the University of Houston in the Graphic Design Program. Robin was a recipient of Houston Business Journal’s “40 under 40” award for 2010 and GDUSA’s “People to Watch” for 2011. Her weekly web series, Brandonomics, is published by The BusinessMakers on the HighDrive network.

Robin firmly believes that everyone has a responsibility to support the community that helped their personal and professional success. Her mission has been twofold: create awareness and value for our design and marketing communities, and support the organizations and students that will shape the next generation of professionals. A long-time board member, she has also held the office of President for both the local boards of AMA Houston (2012-2013) and AIGA Houston (2005-2010), as well as serving as a national AIGA Board Member from 2010-2013.​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

April Schmaltz is the vice president of marketing and business development for Delta Dental of Iowa, the largest dental benefits carrier in Iowa. Delta Dental provides dental and vision benefits to more than 1 million members, including individuals, employees of more than 3,500 Iowa companies, and enrollees of state-run government programs. As a not-for-profit, Delta Dental funds the company’s Public Benefit Program and Foundation that invest in projects to improve the oral health of Iowans. Since 2002, Delta Dental has contributed more than $30 million to improving the health and smiles of Iowans.

Prior to joining Delta Dental of Iowa, April received hands-on marketing and business strategy experience with TMG Financial Services, Marsh U.S. Consumer, Briggs Corporation and ResCare Premier. April holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Saint Mary’s University and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Iowa State University. April has been involved with the AMA for over 10 years and has served on the Professional Chapters Council for five years.​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​Mihali Stavlas is the founder and CEO of Mellōnaid, an analytical and creative-driven agency in Raleigh, North Carolina. For the past 12 years at Mellōnaid, Stavlas has helped clients capture and recreate their brand’s story, build brand experience and online platforms by encompassing the full spectrum of all its touch points: identity, collateral materials, advertising, marketing, user experience and interactive media. Stavlas overseas all strategy and brand experience efforts that help clients convert prospects into advocates.

In addition to overseeing Mellōnaid, Stavlas currently serves on AMA's Professional Chapter Council, has previously served as President of the AMA Triangle, an advisor to North Carolina Center for Nonprofits and an advisor to AIGA Raleigh (American Institute of Graphic Arts). In addition, Stavlas has hosted a radio talk show out of California called This Week in Marketing and is a national speaker on the topics of marketing, design and leadership.

Stavlas graduated from one of the nation’s top design schools, Virginia Commonwealth University, with a Bachelor of Communication Arts. Stavlas has been recognized by the marketing community as the 2015-2016 AMA Triangle Volunteer of the Year and a recent recipient of Triangle Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award in 2017.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Jennifer Schultz is the director of development communications for the University of Nebraska Foundation. Prior to joining the foundation, she worked in marketing and communications roles for the health and fitness industry and the health care software industry.

Jennifer has been a member of the AMA since 2006 and began her volunteer engagement immediately after joining by coordinating the Lincoln chapter’s first Professional Certified Marketer preparation course. As her volunteer commitments with the AMA continued to grow, so did her passion for the organization. After serving as membership chair for two years, Jennifer joined the leadership track and served as president of the chapter in 2010-11. During her year as president, the chapter won Chapter of the Year.

Jennifer holds a Master of Arts in Marketing, Communication and Advertising and a Bachelor of Journalism in New-Editorial and Advertising from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She enjoys going to her children’s activities, playing sand volleyball and attending Husker athletics. In addition to volunteering with the AMA, Jennifer is an officer for the Raymond Central PTO, serves on the Raymond Central Wrestling Club board and is active with the Raymond Central Youth Sports Association.​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

David Wilson believes in servant leadership. Described as a “visionary”, and a “rock star in the marketing field with infectious energy.”

David loves to teach entrepreneurs, business leaders, students, and organizations the art and science of business, especially within the field of marketing.

David is a results-driven executive leader with 25+ years of experience within a Fortune 50 company (UPS), and currently works as an internal/external business consultant and marketing & business strategist. His professional experience spans the full range of business functions – business development, marketing, new product development, operations, and director level executive administration.

David’s greatest strengths are his creativity, business vision, servant leadership, and mentorship. He is a corporate innovator helping to develop UPS’s new initiative to work within the startup community. He partners with incubators/accelerators, state and local governments, higher education, and local organizations to help entrepreneurs achieve profitable growth.

He serves on the American Marketing Association’s (AMA) Professional Chapter Council, and is a Past President of the AMA Birmingham Chapter. He is the Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Central Alabama Food Bank and has served as the Vice Chair of the Board for the Nashville Business Incubator Center. David is an Angel investor, and has been an Adjunct Faculty Member at Samford University, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and Indiana Wesleyan University, where he earned his MBA.

He is a featured speaker, mentor, and competition judge at varies startup and marketing events throughout the mid-South area, and nationally.

David and his wife Amee live in the Birmingham, Alabama area. Amee is a 3rd grade teacher. They are both US Air Force veterans, where they served throughout Europe and Asia. They are “empty nesters” with their two dogs, and look forward to Sunday dinner with their four kids and son-in-law. When not working or hanging out with Amee, David’s hobbies include personal fitness, fishing, gardening, and a good cigar.​

David is authoring several books on Marketing Strategy, Leadership, Branding, and Social Media.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Greg Millman is a Vice President with Citi Private Bank where he focuses on marketing for the investments management team. He was previously Vice President of Marketing & Communications for Eagle Asset Management, an equity and fixed income investment management firm wholly owned by Raymond James Financial. Prior to joining Eagle, Greg was a Senior Marketing Manager at AchieveGlobal, a worldwide leader in corporate training and performance enhancement. He also spent over 6 years at Kforce as a Senior Marketing Manager where he led candidate and client acquisition initiatives.

Mr. Millman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Miami University, Ohio and an MBA in marketing and commercial real estate from the University of Florida. Greg is an avid Formula 1 racing fan and motorsports enthusiast in general. But his greatest joy is being a dad to his two daughters and husband to his wife Jenn.

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Linda MansurPCC ​Leadership Advisory TeamNashville Chapter

Linda Mansur is a senior manager, Market Development, with Deloitte, a global consulting and advisory firm providing audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk management, tax, and related services with more than 220,000 professionals in 150 countries. Linda has more than 30 years of experience in marketing, business development, publishing and project management, primarily in the manufacturing and agriculture industries. She is currently part of Deloitte’s U.S. Client Account Management group.

Linda joined AMA in 2006 and served on the Nashville Chapter board from 2007-2014, serving as treasurer for several years and president in 2012-2013. During her year as president, the Nashville Chapter launched a CMO Council and helped the Nashville Business Journal launch a CMO Awards program. The Nashville Chapter received an Outstanding Achievement Award for Leadership and Membership Excellence for her year as president.

Linda is a graduate of the University of Central Missouri with a BS in Mass Communications and a BS in Economics. She has served on a number of non-profit boards, including the Arthritis Foundation and American Diabetes Association. She serves on the board of the Tennessee Valley Company of the Jamestowne Society and is the Tennessee State Regent for the National Society Daughters of the American Colonists.

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Stewart LawPCC ​Leadership Advisory TeamOklahoma City Chapter

​Stewart Law is the Research Manager for Evolve, a full-service marketing research and website usability firm. In his role at Evolve, Stewart generates insights for clients surrounding their brand awareness and perception, customer experience, advertising campaigns and brand messaging. As a UX practitioner, he also consults with clients on how to provide a better online and mobile experience for their users.

Stewart has been involved with AMA for over 10 years, starting with his senior year of college where he helped establish a chapter at his alma mater. He served on the board for the Oklahoma City chapter from 2010-2017 in various roles such as Collegiate Chair, VP of Membership and VP of Programming, and was twice named chapter Volunteer of the Year. He served as the chapter’s President during the 2015-16 year, and under his leadership the chapter was recognized for Programming Excellence, Leadership & Finance Special Merit, and was inducted into the Platinum Club of Continuing Excellence.

Stewart holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and MBA, both from Oklahoma Christian University. When not working, Stewart enjoys trying out new restaurants with friends, traveling, cycling, hiking and exploring the great outdoors with his boxer/pit-bull mix named Payton. He’s also an avid New Orleans Saints, LSU football and OKC Thunder fan.

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Holly ParsonsPCC ​Leadership Advisory TeamAlaska Chapter

​A marketing executive with over 20 years experience in branding, advertising and strategic planning, Holly specializes in writing business and marketing plans for start up companies, product lines and established organizations, large and small.

Currently, Holly helps organizations tell their story and build their brands to an elite audience in Alaska through creative and strategic advertising at Alaska Business Monthly. Prior to joining Alaska Business Monthly, Holly has helped several businesses implement marketing strategies and tactics such as website development, email marketing and automation, SEO, marketing collateral, client appreciation programs, business development, customer service training and more.

Holly received her Bachelor's degree in Journalism/Broadcasting and Communication from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Alaska Anchorage. She has been involved with AMA for over 15 years and is thrilled to be helping other chapters make a difference in their communities.

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Aaron TemplerPCC ​Leadership Advisory TeamColorado Chapter

Aaron Templer is a consultant with a music problem. He runs a brand and marketing firm—Three Over Four (www.threeoverfour.com​)—that's focused on influence: the intersection of leadership and brand management. He presents and teaches on these topics as well. He plays percussion in various projects around Denver (maybe a little too much). Aaron's clients span many industries but they're usually world-changers that have something driving them other than profit.

​Matt Schaeffer was raised in rural Oregon where he learned good ol’ fashioned hard work, and the value of owning and putting care into his job, by tending the land of farmers in Silverton (or push mowing his parents’ 8 acre farm). He moved to Portland to earn degrees in both Marketing and Advertising from PSU’s School of Business - and to live in such a Wonderland as PDX is.

He’s led initiatives including video creative and production, a national mobile sampling tour, and advertising and segmentation research. He pulls from experience with Regence BlueCross BlueShield, Kaiser Permanente, Tillamook County Creamery Association and his 8 years with the AMA, most recently his term as President of AMA PDX.

When not at work, Matt can be found spending time (i.e. eating great food) with his wife Shannon, volunteering for Special Olympics Oregon or TEDxPortland, taking in a Timbers or Ducks game, CrossFitting (counterpoint to activity number 1), and prepping for the impending birth of his and Shan’s first baby.​

Tracie Welch Brenton is the founder and President of two digital marketing agencies: MarketingLOGIX and ScoutLOGIX.

MarketingLOGIX provides results-driven B2B marketing programs with an integrated with sales strategy. ScoutLOGIX is a digital agency that helps student athletes create an online presence and brand for college recruitment purposes.

Prior to founding her agencies, Tracie served as the Sales and Marketing Director for the Houston Business Journal, a publication of American City Business Journals, for 18 years. Tracie has been an active member of AMA Houston for over 21 years and has served in numerous roles including President (2016-2017), President-Elect and VP Communications (2015-2016), and Director of Chapter Marketing (2014-2015).

When she isn’t working with clients, Tracie can usually be found cheering for her kids at one of their many sporting events. She also volunteers for the National Charity League and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.​

​Karl Sakas (@KarlSakas​) helps digital agency leaders solve six- and seven-figure growing pains. As a consultant and coach, he has advised 300+ agency owners on six continents. Karl is the author of Made to Lead (2016), The In-Demand Marketing Agency (2015), and 250+ articles on agency management. After joining AMA Triangle in 2010, he served as VP of Collegiate Relations, VP of Community Relations, VP of Programming, High Five Conference Director, and 2016-2017 President. Outside of work, Karl volunteers as a bartender on a 1930s railroad car, mixing martinis at 100 miles an hour. Sign up for free agency tips at SakasAndCompany.com.

Joey Taylor-Moon is Director of Marketing at Hubbell Realty Company, where she leads the strategic marketing that promotes and protect the company’s brand and reputation. Experience in blending an understanding of marketing campaign processes, multifaceted media elements, and standardized industry toolsets. Passion for developing strategy and working with others to understand the goal and develop campaigns to achieve them. More than 15 years experience in the real estate and marketing industry which brings invaluable knowledge. Joey received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Drake University in Des Moines and graduated with her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Drake in December 2007.​​​​​​​​​​​

As CEO, Jason has successfully directed the company in integrating full cross-media capabilities. With a vision to work with clients implementing cross-media marketing strategies, Jason co-founded the e.f. group as a direct marketing branch of Accu-Print. In February 2010, Jason and the e.f. group won the prestigious Gold Addy(r) Award for a self-promotional lumpy mail product. Utilizing the most up-to-date technologies, he continually develops successful marketing campaigns, leading to measurable results for clients.

To remain at the forefront of new print and marketing innovations, Jason attends numerous industry conferences and training seminars each year. He also conducts cross-media webinars for printers and marketers and speaks at industry conferences. Additionally, he is an early adaptor on the newest media channels, such as Twitter and LinkedIn, and can expertly advise clients venturing into the social media marketing arena. He is a member of PODi, Direct Marketing News, Printing Industries of America, and the American Advertising Federation San Antonio. Active in the local marketing industry, Jason is a two-time Past President of the San Antonio Chapter of the American Marketing Association.

Currently, Jason sits on the Executive Board as the Vice Chair of the San Antonio River Foundation, and is Chairman of the Capital Campaign Committee. He is also on the board for the Entrepreneurs Organization as the Communications Chair.

As a winner of the San Antonio Business Journal's 2010 40 Under 40 award, Jason has also been recognized in the San Antonio community as an up and coming businessperson to watch.

Jason graduated from Texas A&M University with a BBA in Management Information Systems. After graduation, Jason began his career selling, installing, and creating fully automated point of sale applications. Before joining Accu-Print, he worked with a large corporation where his database skills allowed him to participate in developing the sales automation processes.

Jason and his wife, Nerissa, have two young sons. In his spare time, Jason enjoys spending time with his family, playing with his children, and relaxing on the golf course.

​Karen is an advisor to CEOs and boards of emerging growth and mid-market companies, counseling them on maximizing the value of their business. She’s a member of the Carolina’s practice of Newport Board Group, a national professional services firm. Karen also contributes her expertise to the firm’s healthcare and technology practices.

Prior to joining Newport Board Group, Karen held a number of leadership roles with Capstrat, a marketing communications agency and then Ketchum, a global communications consultancy. As Capstrat EVP, President and then CEO, she played a leading role in growing the agency into an award-winning industry leader. Among her accomplishments: launching analytics and social media services, building a national healthcare practice and revamping the firm’s digital offerings. Karen also navigated the agency’s acquisition by Omnicom Inc. in 2012 and worked to integrate Capstrat into the Ketchum agency network.

Karen serves as a local chapter and national volunteer for the American Marketing Association. She served as President of the Triangle Chapter, was recognized as the Triangle Chapter’s Volunteer of the Year in 2013 and continues to volunteer on the chapter’s past-presidents’ council. She was a member of the Professional Chapters Council for five years, serving as 2013 Leadership Summit Co-Chair and PCC President in 2013-14. She has been a volunteer presenter at the AMA Healthcare Marketing Training Seminars, the AMA Non-Profit Marketing Conference and at AMA Regional Retreats. Currently she is a member of the AMA’s Board of Directors and is helping update the organization’s ethics statement.

She is a member of the International Women’s Forum, volunteers as the chair of young adult ministry at First United Methodist Church-Cary and serves on the board of visitors for UNC Children’s Hospital, the board of advisors for Elon University’s School of Communications and the board of advisors for the School of Media and Journalism at her alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned her B.A. degree.

Karen, her husband Ronnie and their dog Jasper live in Cary, NC.

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Gina Bonar2016-17 CEA WinnerCincinnati Chapter

​Gina Bonar (@ginablink​) is a marketing and business development leader known for critical thinking, innovative strategy, insightful communications and creative solutions that make the whole greater than the sum of its parts. She serves on the board of AMA Cincinnati as Immediate Past President and Ignite CX Conference Chair. Her professional background includes marketing and communications roles at Mercer, Deloitte, Exelon, USG, Owens Corning and Golin Harris. She holds an MBA from Kellogg and an MS IMC from Medill at Northwestern.

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Michael Fleischner2016-17 CEA WinnerNew Jersey Chapter

Michael Fleischner is an entrepreneur, author, marketing strategist, and speaker with 15+ years of real-world experience. As the founder and CEO of Big Fin Solutions, a marketing services and reputation management company, he specializes in helping organizations improve marketing practices and results. Michael serves as the senior VP of marketing for Caliper, a Princeton New Jersey business and Immediate Past President of the American Marketing Assoc. of New Jersey. He has appeared on the TODAY Show, ABC World News, and other major media. Michael offers advice and management across marketing disciplines including search engine optimization, marketing automation, online brand development, social media, and general marketing practices.

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Rachel Saltsgaver2016-17 CEA WinnerIndy Chapter

Rachel Saltsgaver is the content manager at Lessonly, the leader in online training software. Lessonly helps sales and support teams translate important work knowledge into lessons that accelerate productivity. Rachel works on the company's content strategy and manages the blogging, social media, and earned media efforts.

Before joining Lessonly, Rachel worked with branding, advertising, and public relations initiatives in the nonprofit sector. She has been involved with the AMA for 6 years, with 5 years of board experience. She was named the chapter volunteer of the year in 2013 and served as the president of the Indy Chapter from 2016-2017.

When not at work, Rachel enjoys IU Basketball games (proud alumna—Go Hoosiers!), playing tennis, and exploring the budding food scene in Indy.

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